National Security and Government Surveillance Threats from Ad Data
Key Questions
How are adversaries using commercial location data?
Pentagon reports confirm hostile actors purchased ad-based location data to track U.S. troops in active war zones. CENTCOM only recently disabled location sharing, while ad IDs remain active on some government devices.
What did the FTC's Kochava settlement require?
The settlement bans Kochava from selling sensitive location data and mandates supplier assessments. It reflects ongoing FTC focus on location data even as state rules evolve.
Why do lawmakers view ad tech as a national security threat?
Sen. Wyden and others cite easy access by foreign actors and ICE's interest in buying ad data for enforcement. They are urging removal of ad IDs from government phones and support for Global Privacy Control.
Pentagon confirms hostile actors buying commercial location data to target U.S. troops. CENTCOM disabled location sharing; advertising IDs still active on government phones; lawmakers demand disabling ad IDs. ICE seeks to buy ad data for immigration enforcement. FTC settles Kochava location data enforcement.